Explore 3 Beautiful DIY Handfasting Cord Ideas and the Art of Crafting Them

Handfasting is an old wedding tradition that beautifully demonstrates two people's love and commitment to one another. This symbolic act is said to date back over several millennia.

Handfasting is a significant act between two people that involves the couple joining hands and having them bound by a cord of their choosing. It is an ancient Celtic tradition that is said to date back as far as 7000 BC.

In ancient Ireland, handfasting was a means for Wiccan and Pagan couples to publicly announce their intent to marry one another. Performed by a priest, the engagement would last a year, after which the pair would either proceed with the wedding or separate.

A couple doing the handfasting tradition during their wedding ceremony | Source: Getty Images

Nowadays, handfasting is done during weddings. This ceremony can be accompanied by the expression of vows, poetry, or music. The tying can be performed by the wedding officiant; however, as its popularity surges in modern weddings, couples have involved more loved ones in the process, whether it's their parents, friends, siblings, or children.

A couple doing the handfasting tradition during their wedding ceremony | Source: Getty Images

Each person involved can have their own cord, though some couples have used just one. Traditionally, cords or ribbons were used for the handfasting ceremony, although people have gotten more creative, using materials with sentimental value.

Below is a brief overview of three DIY handfasting cord ideas for you and your betrothed to try out. Read on and enjoy the crafting process.

A couple doing the handfasting tradition during their wedding ceremony. | Source: Getty Images

1. Three-Way and Four-Way Braided Strand Bound Together with a Golden Leaf Strand

This idea sounds complicated to execute but is actually quite simple if you take it one step at a time. See the guide below:

First Strand

1. Take two ribbons and a thin yarn-like thread (all colors of your choice), hold one side of the ends together, and tie them down using strong tape on a table.

2. Begin your three-way braid.

Tie your ribbons and yarn-like thread to a table with tape. | YouTube/Brittany Plans a Wedding

3. As you inch closer down, tie a knot a few inches above the end to secure your first strand.

The first strand complete. | Source: YouTube/Brittany Plans a Wedding

Second Strand

1. Take four pieces of thin yarn-like string (color of your choice), hold one side of the ends together, and tie them down using strong tape on a table.

2. Begin doing your four-way braid.

3. As you inch closer down, tie a knot a few inches above the end to secure your second strand.

A four-strand braid in progress. | Source: YouTube/Brittany Plans a Wedding

Final Step

1. For the final strand, alongside your first two, take a vine-like golden string lined with tiny golden leaves from top to bottom.

2. Take the golden leaf string and your first two strands, hold one side of the ends together, and tie them down on a table using strong tape.

Tie down your three main strands to a table with tape | Source: YouTube/Brittany Plans a Wedding

3. Begin your three-way braid.

4. As you inch closer down, tie a knot a few inches above the end to secure. Your handfasting cord is complete!

A complete handfasting cord. | Source: YouTube/Brittany Plans a Wedding

2. Two DIY Handfasting Cords for the Lovely Couple

This idea uses similar methods to the one described above; however, there are some key differences. Instead of three singularly made strands conjoined in a three-way braid, you and your partner will have two separate hand-fasting cords. See the guide below:

1. Each cord will be a three-way braid; for the first two strands, pair a ribbon and a thin yarn-like string, and for the last strand, pair another thin yarn-like strand with a thicker one (all colors of your choice).

Secure each paired strand with charms. | Source: YouTube/Alex Montgomery-Fleming

2. Bind each strand with charms from top to bottom. These charms will be more significant if they relate to your love or personal stories.

3. Once each strand has been secured, hook them somewhere stable and ensure each side of the strand is equal in length. Then, begin braiding.

Braiding the first handfasting cord | Source: YouTube/Alex Montgomery-Fleming

4. As you reach the bottom, tie a knot a few inches above the end to secure.

5. Repeat this process for the second hand-fasting cord.

Two complete handfasting cords. | Source: Source: YouTube/Alex Montgomery-Fleming

3. DIY Satin Ribbon Handfasting Cord

This idea is executed similarly to the ones described above, except it is much simpler and uses fewer materials. There are also two handfasting cords for each partner in this case. See the guide below:

2. Either hook them somewhere stable and ensure each side of the strand is equal in length, or use the tape method described above.

3. Begin your three-way braid, and as you reach closer down, tie a knot a few inches at the end to secure.

4. Adorn the knot with something significant to you, your partner, or your love, like a charm or souvenir from a previous date.

5. Repeat this process for your partner's handfasting cord.

A couple doing the handfasting tradition during their wedding ceremony. | Source: Getty Images

Final Thoughts

You might be wondering about the length of your handfasting cord. If you and your partner are using just one, the general recommended length is approximately six feet. However, you are free to determine whichever length works for you.

The handfasting ceremony is already a heartwarming act on its own, but creating your own cord just adds that much more value. Now that it's done, off you go to become a newlywed. All the best!

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